Emotions and sounds of 2024

I explored a great deal of different and interesting ways to find inspiration, relaxation and peace of mind through a musical journey this year. Some followed a general theme, others just went wherever the moods led.

Hardships and trials passed by like lightened loads upon hearing the messages in the music. I shall try to paint a vivid picture of my continued journey through 2024:

Healing Through Music

Life was a whirlwind of trials and tribulations. Schoolwork felt like an unending mountain to climb, and the pressures of social life weighed heavily on my shoulders. Amid the chaos, I turned to music for solace, finding a comforting embrace in the melodies and messages of emerging and top artists everywhere.

The year began with a complete feeling of being overwhelmed, beating within a heart heavy with self-doubt. It was during one particularly tough evening that I stumbled upon Taylor Swift's latest album. The poignant lyrics of her songs spoke directly to my heart, resonating with my deepest emotions. Taylor's words became a treasure trove of hope, easing the load of my worries and guiding me through the darkest days.

As spring turned to summer, I discovered the uplifting hit "Die With A Smile" by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. This song, with its infectious beat and empowering message, infused my days with joy and spontaneity. Whenever life felt like too much to bear, I would don my headphones, lose myself in the rhythm, and dance away my anxieties. The music lifted my spirits, transforming mundane moments into joyful memories.

Throughout the year, I found inspiration in the strong voices of female artists who dominated the charts. Beyoncé's anthems of female strength, Lana Del Rey's introspective ballads, and Post Malone's genre-blending tracks became the soundtrack of my personal growth. Each song felt like a friend, offering words of encouragement and strength when I needed them most.

Podcasts also played a crucial role in my journey. I dived into thought-provoking discussions on sports, comedy, and true crime, expanding my horizons and fueling my curiosity. These podcasts provided not just entertainment but also a sense of connection and understanding, making me feel less alone in my struggles.

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Taylor Swift claimed the title of Spotify's Global Top Artist of 2024 with over 26.6 billion streams. More power to her.

One of Swift's most empowering songs is "Shake It Off". Released in 2014, it is a catchy, upbeat anthem about shaking off negativity and embracing self-confidence1. The song encourages listeners to ignore the haters and stay true to themselves, making it a powerful message of strength and self-empowerment.

Another strong contender is "The Man" from her 2019 album "Lover." This song addresses gender double standards and the challenges women face in society, highlighting Taylor's advocacy for equality and empowerment.

Both songs seem to have resonated with many fans for their uplifting and empowering messages.

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Top Songs: "Die With A Smile" by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga topped my listening list.

Genre Crossovers: Genres like country saw significant crossover success with artists such as Beyoncé, Shaboozey, Lana Del Rey, and Post Malone.

Female Artists: Women dominated the top albums list, holding eight of the top spots. There is hope for me through the message of the sounds of life.

Podcasts: Spotify saw incredible growth in podcast fandoms across sports, comedy, and true crime, with more than half a billion people listening to podcasts on the platform.

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Audiobooks: Audiobooks were introduced in Premium in several countries, and Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series led the Global Top Audiobooks list.

A bit about Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses"

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" is a fantasy romance series that follows the journey of 19-year-old Feyre Archeron. Feyre lives in a world where humans and faeries are separated by a wall, and she hunts in the woods to support her impoverished family

One day, Feyre kills a wolf that turns out to be a faerie named Andras. As punishment, she is taken to the faerie lands of Prythian by a faerie named Tamlin, who is the High Lord of the Spring Court. In Prythian, Feyre learns that much of what she believed about faeries is false. She grows to love Tamlin and the faerie world, but also faces dangerous creatures and political intrigue.

The series is a blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure, with Feyre navigating her new life in Prythian, forming alliances, and discovering her own strength and abilities. It's a captivating story that has gained a huge fan base and has been praised for its intricate world-building and compelling characters.

An inspiring written story which gives hope to neophyte creators if you read the series, or are you thinking about starting one yourself.

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Music Evolution: Spotify introduced a new feature showing users how their music taste evolved throughout the year, with personalized playlists reflecting their musical phases.

Their new Music Evolution feature is a fascinating addition to the Wrapped experience. It tracks how your music taste changes throughout the year, identifying up to three distinct musical phases. Each phase is characterized by specific genres, artists, and listening habits, reflecting the different moods and moments you experienced.

For example, you might start the year in a "Light Academia Soft Piano Classical" phase, transition to a "Roller Skating Pop" phase in the spring, and end the year in a "Hallyu Catwalk K-pop" phase. These phases are crafted with unique titles to capture the essence of each period in your musical journey.

The feature also includes a personalized playlist called "Your Music Evolution 2024", which combines your favorite tracks from each phase along with new song recommendations related to your musical journey. It's a great way to relive your year in music and see how your tastes have evolved.

It was definitely a year full of exciting trends and standout moments!

As we approach the ending of 2024, I feel that I have grown remarkably stronger. The music and podcasts I discovered both on Spotify and everywhere else, had lightened my burdens, giving me the courage to face my challenges head-on. The sounds of the year became more than just background noise; they were the lifeline that helped me navigate my trials. I have emerged stronger, and embrace the coming year with renewed hope.

I hope to capture the emerging of a new journey beautifully, to explore other specific artists or songs further with renewed vigor. And hopefully embrace my struggles as stepping stones to finding myself anew. 🎶

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